Alerts

News

Damage judgment (DJN)

A damage judgment is court action taken by a company or individual (plaintiff) against another (defendant). A damage judgment results from a motor vehicle accident with damages of $500 or more, excluding attorney fees and court costs.

Wisconsin State Statutes Section 344.25 requires WisDOT to suspend a person’s operating and registration privileges upon receipt of a certification of judgment. Section 893.40 requires that the suspension remain on the driver record for 20 years, if it has not been satisfied. Certificates of judgment are received from courts within the State of Wisconsin as well as other states.

The plaintiff files a claim against the owner/operator (defendant) with the court. The court is required to make one attempt to notify the defendant of the court date. The court often uses the “Legal Notice” section of a local newspaper as notification.

When the court enters the judgment, the plaintiff or their attorney may ask the court to certify the judgment to WisDOT, if the statutory appeal period has passed and the judgment has not been satisfied. Many courts use the Certificate of Judgment form MV3158 to certify judgment information. The notice of entry must accompany this form.

Any judgment processed prior to April 28, 2001 is on the record as a revocation. If it was processed after that date, it appears as a suspension. Any judgment with an effective date of September 1, 2000 or later requires filing of SR-22 insurance for 3 years following WisDOT’s receipt of compliance. Acceptable compliance is as follows:

• Private installment agreement (PIAG). A payment plan that is agreed upon between the plaintiff or their attorney and the defendant to pay the damages.
• A court ordered installment agreement (CIAG). A payment plan that the court orders the defendant to pay. The agreement is signed by a judge and certified to WisDOT.
• Satisfaction of judgment. A court stamped or certified satisfaction that states the judgment has been paid in full.

A defendant must contact the plaintiff or their attorney to make arrangements to settle a judgment. If a defendant defaults on an agreement, the plaintiff notifies WisDOT. WisDOT will again suspend the person’s operating and registration privileges.

If you have filed bankruptcy, contact our office for reinstatement requirements.

When WisDOT receives acceptable compliance requirements, the defendant is required to fulfill reinstatement requirements.

• For a suspension case or revocation with an effective date of September 1, 2000 or later:
  • Proof of insurance - SR22 insurance filing, for three years from receipt of compliance.
  • $110 reinstatement fee for drivers license and registration.
• For a revocation with an effective date prior to September 1, 2000:
  • Proof of insurance – SR22 insurance filing, for three years from the court entry date.
  • $110 reinstatement fee for drivers license and registration.

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-8753